The 18 best free things to do in Melbourne

02.11.2023 - 12:47 / lonelyplanet.com

Consistently ranked amongst the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne isn't a half-bad place to visit either.

Victoria's capital has a wealth of attractions to keep you entertained, from sprawling markets and insightful museums to beautiful botanic gardens and vintage amusement parks.

Even better news: you can enjoy lots of these experiences without spending a single cent. Here's our guide to the best free stuff to do in Melbourne.

The statuesque Shrine of Remembrance, off St Kilda Rd, was completed in 1934 as a dedication to the men and women who lost their lives in WWI. Historical exhibitions shed light on the sacrifices made and it’s the site of some of Melbourne’s most important military and remembrance ceremonies such as ANZAC Day.

Visible from the other end of town, planning regulations continue to restrict any building that would obstruct the view of the shrine from Swanston St as far back as Lonsdale St. A climb up the steps of the shrine will be rewarded with fine views across the city.

The National Gallery of Victoria boasts an impressive collection with big names like Drysdale, Rodin, and Constable among the many permanent works that can be seen for free in its international collections. Its premier gallery on St Kilda Road is itself a work of art, worth a tour in its own right, with a lofty stained-glass atrium that will delight art aficionados. You'll find the Australian Collection just up the road at the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, which includes a stunning ground-floor gallery of Aboriginal works.

While you’re at Federation Square, pop into the city’s celebrated ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for an interactive history of film and TV, including a good old dose of Neighbours nostalgia (Melbourne is the home of the iconic show, after all). Next up is the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art on Southbank – another architectural gem with a revolving exhibition calendar.

Planning tip: Still hungry for more? There are a number of private galleries in the Flinders Lane precinct with smaller exhibitions of local and international artists.

Over the past decade, Melbourne’s laneways have gone from shortcut passages in the main city grid to proud canvases for some of the world’s best street art.

You probably won’t find Banksy’s work here (these have reportedly been painted over or destroyed, though at least one is said to remain), but what you will find is a dizzying mash-up of colorful murals by well-known local and visiting artists. Start at Hosier Lane (opposite Federation Square) and follow the maze of laneways heading north from there. 

Melburnians love a good market, and the city is stuffed to the gills with them. In almost any neighborhood you can find markets